Guide an applicant who asks about recommendation letters

Recommendation letters can feel like a hidden test to an applicant. The advisor's useful job is to point the person to the exact program instructions and help them choose a practical next action. Advisors should leave the judgment about letter quality to the reviewers who read the application.

Jordan says, "My supervisor has known me for only six months. Should I ask my old professor instead?" Advisor Priya responds, "What does the program ask recommenders to address, and which parts of your experience do you want the committee to understand?" Jordan says the application asks about readiness for graduate study and community work. Priya opens the published instructions and says, "The instructions describe the areas the committee considers. A supervisor may be able to speak to recent work, while a professor may know your academic habits. You can decide who can give an accurate account in those areas." Jordan asks, "Will one choice hurt my chances?" Priya says, "The committee evaluates the full application. I cannot predict that review. I can show you the deadline and the submission steps so your recommenders have enough time."

Priya follows up with the official link, the deadline, and a reminder that applicants control whom they invite. She does not draft a letter or suggest that a particular recommender carries a guaranteed weight.

Roleplay this question with one person as the applicant and one as the advisor. The advisor should ask about the published criteria before discussing possible recommenders. Afterward, write a short email that gives the deadline, submission method, and link without making a claim about the admissions result.